Justice Nixon Sifuna of the Milimani Anti-corruption Court has mandated the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to launch an investigation into lawyer Danstan Omari, his client Ann Wambui Ndung’u, and implicated police officers.
The directive stems from allegations of a Sh2 million extortion scheme involving two Nigerian nationals, Richard Tsado Bala and Lot Ziko Tsado, directors of Vital Quest International.
Justice Sifuna’s ruling orders the EACC to record statements from the foreign nationals and thoroughly investigate the extortion claims against Omari and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives. Despite opposition from Omari, the judge emphasized the gravity of the allegations and the need for a comprehensive inquiry.
The Nigerians had filed complaints accusing Omari, Wambui, and DCI detectives of demanding Sh2 million to avoid charges related to operating a business without a work permit. Justice Sifuna barred the police from arresting the two Nigerians, granting each Sh300,000 anticipatory bail.
The judge detailed a disturbing account of how DCI officers allegedly used Ann Wambui Ndung’u to extort money from the Nigerian directors during an investigation. The foreigners claim the officers demanded the payment to avoid charges, while the DCI and Wambui assert the money represents legal fees owed to Omari.
Contradicting the DCI’s casual response to the serious allegations, Justice Sifuna expressed concern about the lack of substantive answers to the weighty issues raised by the foreign investors. The judge declined Omari’s plea to restrict the court’s focus solely to the issue of anticipatory bail, emphasizing the court’s duty to consider all relevant matters.
Justice Sifuna stressed that the integrity of the investigations was at stake, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination of the extortion allegations. The ruling highlighted the importance of holding public institutions accountable for the actions of their officers and ensuring fair treatment of foreign nationals within Kenya’s borders.
The judge concluded by ordering immediate investigations into the matter, urging action against those implicated in the extortion scheme. The Director of EACC and DCI received directives to execute the judge’s orders promptly.
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